Def Leppard’s 2008 release, “Songs From the Sparkle Lounge,” marked a significant pause in their studio album production, with no new material for about seven years. During this hiatus, while fans enjoyed a few live albums, much of the band’s members devoted time to side projects. One notable endeavor was from guitarist Phil Collen, who prior to joining Def Leppard played with the band Girl. Reuniting with Simon Laffy and enlisting Paul Cook, the renowned drummer from the Sex Pistols, they formed a supergroup named Man Raze. Their collaboration spanned back to 2005, leading to live shows and several singles before they released their debut album, “Surreal,” in the U.S. on June 3, 2008.
My version of the album is not the American edition but the European release, which hit shelves on December 1, 2008. This version offers a distinct advantage: a second CD featuring five bonus tracks, alongside a more visually appealing cover adorned with the British flag. What we have here is a delightful fusion, marrying the influences of Phil’s current band, along with Girl, the Sex Pistols, and a range of other inspirations. Fans of Phil’s background vocals in Def Leppard will appreciate his lead role here, showcasing a refreshing change of pace. Let’s delve into what this supergroup has to offer.
Opening with “This Is,” the album dives headfirst into a relentless barrage of energy marked by speed and angst. The frantic drumming and lightning-fast guitar and bass work strongly convey the band’s punk ethos and rock sensibilities, suggesting that they are eager to make their mark.
They maintain this energetic momentum with “Turn It Up,” which escalates the chaos with even more bravado. The robust gang choruses echo the texture of Def Leppard, while the drum work borders on militant and the guitar delivers an impressive solo—a definite standout on the album.
Next, the band explores reggae and dub influences with “Runnin’ Me Up.” This track slows the tempo but highlights an outstanding rhythm section, with Laffy’s bass and Cook’s drumming creating a seamless groove. Phil adeptly adjusts his vocal style to match the song’s feel, showcasing the brilliance of the rhythm that underpins it.
Following this, “Every Second of Every Day” shifts into a more melodic territory, infused with unmistakable Def Leppard tones. It distinctly feels like a song that could fit seamlessly into Joe Elliott’s vocal repertoire, but Phil offers an equally fulfilling performance. The colossal choruses beckon listeners to sing along, encapsulating the quintessential Def Leppard guitar tone that fans crave.
“Spinning Out” captures yet another aspect of the band’s sound, with a sleazy bass line and Phil’s attitude-laden vocals. The song carries a swagger, with Paul’s drumming driving the tight pocket groove, allowing Phil to deliver a smooth guitar solo. This track impressively brings listeners along for another thrilling ride.
Reggae and dub return with a rock twist in “Can’t Find My Own Way,” showcasing an admirable blend of styles. The verses emanate a brisk reggae vibe while the chorus erupts with rock energy, demonstrating a keen mastery of their diverse influences.
The single “Skin Crawl,” which surfaced back in 2005, features a darker, reimagined version here, brimming with attitude. Laffy’s bass groove is potent, and Phil’s soaring vocals in the chorus deliver depth, showcasing why this track was chosen as a lead single.
“Low” kicks off with a slow guitar intro, then heightens to reveal another catchy, melodic aspect reminiscent of Def Leppard. The massive choruses feature harmonies that mirror the band’s classic style, striking a balance between ballad and hard rock vibes. This could easily be mistaken for leftover material from prior albums like “X” or “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge.”
For fans of reggae-rock fusion, “Connected to You” serves as another highlight, kicking off as a vigorous rock track before transitioning to reggae grooves in the verses. Laffy and Cook’s synergy continues to impress, establishing a formidable rhythm section that drives the song along with Phil’s compelling vocals.
In “Halo,” we encounter an intriguing blend with a glam essence. While the track features an almost metal bass riff coupled with a classic Def Leppard guitar line, Phil’s vocals undergo a fitting transformation, successfully carrying the chorus. However, it stands out less compared to the stronger offerings on the album.
While “It’s Entertainment” culminates in heavy rock, it doesn’t quite resonate as strongly, as the repetitive chorus feels flat compared to the meatier verses. This track emerges as the album’s lone stumble.
Yet, any disappointment fades with “Shadow Man,” arguably the album’s highlight. This track pulsates with a dark, captivating energy that perfectly fits the modern Def Leppard aesthetic—it’s catchy, with a captivating guitar solo and enormous choruses that truly save the day.
That summarizes the main album. Disc 2 features five additional tracks, but since they are bonus material, they won’t be scored. The inaugural track “You’re So Wrong” channels punk spirit and raw energy but feels less polished than the main album content, making it a fitting bonus track.
Next, we have the live rendition of “Low,” recorded during a 2008 performance in Burbank, California. While not much distinguishes it from the album version, it captures the live atmosphere well, despite some harmonic intensity missing due to Phil’s lead role.
Then comes the “Turn It Up” (Deep Dub) mix, which may appeal primarily to dedicated dub fans. This version diverges significantly from the original, incorporating elements like steel drums.
The instrumental dub mix of “Runnin’ Me Up” features sporadic vocal interjections but largely remains instrumental in nature. While it doesn’t particularly compel me, I wouldn’t switch it off if it played.
Finally, the live acoustic take on “Can’t Find My Own Way” delivers a fast and vibrant interpretation. While it retains qualities reminiscent of the studio execution, speeding it up proves successful, offering a refreshing acoustic experience.
Track Listing:
This Is – Keeper
Turn It Up – Keeper
Runnin’ Me Up – Keeper
Every Second of Every Day – Keeper
Spinning Out – Keeper
Can’t Find My Own Way – Keeper
Skin Crawl – Keeper
Low – Keeper
Connected To You – Keeper
Halo – Keeper (1/2 Point)
It’s Entertainment – Delete
Shadow Man – Keeper
The final score stands at 10.5 out of 12 tracks, an impressive 88%. As previously noted, the bonus disc isn’t included in this score; however, it does offer a worthwhile exploration of the songs. Man Raze skilfully merges punk aggression, rock essence, and a passion for reggae and dub, showcasing their versatility. Phil’s history with Def Leppard is palpable in several tracks, and this infusion warrants appreciation. Music lovers can appreciate the craftsmanship within this collaboration of Phil, Simon, and Paul. For any Def Leppard enthusiast, this album delivers enough enticing content to explore, and it’s heartening to witness band members delivering quality works independently. My overall rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars. This album reveals itself more and more with each listen, a hallmark of a compelling musical endeavor.
Next Up: Def Leppard – B-Sides (2021)
